Pamela Hegg

Gadget Grandma

What’s it like to be an award-winning instructor? Just ask Pamela Hegg, professor of computer information systems. Hegg recently captured the Outstanding e-Learning Faculty Award from the Instructional Technology Council. The award recognizes educators who excel in leadership and innovation for online learning initiatives.

I love learning. I’m known as “Gadget Grandma,” as I’m always into the latest technology including Second Life, a 3D virtual environment where users interact by using avatars. I’m also addicted to playing online video games. I’m working on becoming a Level 80 illusionist in EverQuest II. Quite often, I’ll fashion my classes like a video game and have quests that students need to accomplish.

My reaction when I received the e-Learning award was, “Holy cow! I won!” I am flattered to be honored by my peers, because there is so much information to absorb in the computer field.  

A couple of years ago, I took a sabbatical to study the virtual world and learn all I could about bringing this latest technology to the classroom. In the virtual world there are no limits. I didn’t pick the computer field to do the same old thing. I love the computer information systems field because it’s always evolving.

Pamela Hegg
Professor of Computer Technologies and Information Systems